I'm not a fan of the middle seam; but the shape is better. Others may say that the derby style is still too casual, especially for a wedding; but, honestly, nobody in the real world would really know any better. What's your budget for shoes? If AE's are too expensive for you, then it becomes more a matter of working within your budgetary means.

The first or third ties are ok. I like the first one a little better just because it introduces less grey; but either will serve you fine.

ok, so I spent some time looking at shoes, came home with these. Not sure if I want to spend the money on AE's right now because I wear dress shoes probably 4 times a year. Are they dressy enough? Are they ugly? Not sure how I feel about the seam down the toe but such is life.

Cole Haan are a step up from the original shoes, but I wouldn't wear them. Strike me as trendy - likely to look dated in a few years.

If you buy the AE's, I bet you'll find more than 4 occasions/yr to wear them. That's why we buy nice shoes, right?

I'm sorry, these looked like they were carved out of frankensteins butt. I even like the first one's better. Have you considered going barefoot? It could give off that "free spirit" vibe, or something like that.

ok, so I spent some time looking at shoes, came home with these. Not sure if I want to spend the money on AE's right now because I wear dress shoes probably 4 times a year. Are they dressy enough? Are they ugly? Not sure how I feel about the seam down the toe but such is life. Anyways, you guys are the experts so let it rip.

You just traded up from old garbage to new garbage. You've even laid these hideous creations on your bead like a new bride. If you haven't consummated your marriage to these yet (worn them) then return them immediately and buy some AE Strands. Seriously, I am sure this is difficult for you to appreciate at this point in your life, but trust us on the Strands and you'll never go back to buying crap again.

dude, you probably paid $150 for those cole haans. Strands are $230 That extra $80 is worth it. At 4 wears per year, the strands will last ages. the sting of the extra money will be forgotten quickly when you realize you bought a better looking, higher quality, more durable shoe.

At 4 wears per year, the strands will last ages. the sting of the extra money will be forgotten quickly when you realize you bought a better looking, higher quality, more durable shoe.

Can't find a pair on ebay in my size for $230, they have used pairs but buying used shoes is like buying used underwear in my opinion. Only other option is to buy them at the AE store for $295 plus 9% tax (thank you Chicago)

At 4 wears per year, the strands will last ages. the sting of the extra money will be forgotten quickly when you realize you bought a better looking, higher quality, more durable shoe.

+1 make the investment at 4 wears/year you will have them for the rest of your life most likely. Odds are if you buy a cheap pair now in a couple years (or less) you will buy another, and another, and so on... Edit: There is a seller on the B&S forum that sells AE shoes for $230, the Strand is one that he sells.

Can't find a pair on ebay in my size for $230, they have used pairs but buying used shoes is like buying used underwear in my opinion. Only other option is to buy them at the AE store for $295 plus 9% tax (thank you Chicago) I paid $119 for the Cole Haan's.

I agree with some of the other folks here. The color is fine but the shoe is not. I have the Allen Edmunds Strand in chestnut, and they seem to work very well with that shade of grey in a suit. It's a good look if the formality of the shoe and the suit compliment each other. My two cents.